Original Word: רָאַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ra'am
Pronunciation: rah-am
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-am')
KJV: be lifted up
NASB: rise
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to rise

be lifted up

A primitive root; to rise -- be lifted up.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to rise
NASB Translation
rise (1).

[רָאַם] verb (Masora Thes and others) rise (si vera lectio, "" form of רום); —

Qal Perfect3feminine singular רָ˜אֲמָה Zechariah 14:10, but < read רָאמָה = רָ֫מָה (√רום), Ges^{§ 72p}.

Scriptural Setting

The verb רָאַם appears once, in Zechariah 14:10. The verse envisions a future day when “Jerusalem will be raised up and remain in its place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses” (Berean Standard Bible). The surrounding passage (Zechariah 14:1-11) describes the climactic triumph of the LORD over the nations and the establishment of His universal reign from Jerusalem.

Meaning within Zechariah’s Oracle

1. Physical elevation: The immediate picture is that of the city being literally lifted or set on higher ground while the surrounding terrain becomes a broad plain. This reverses the topography that formerly made Jerusalem vulnerable to siege (compare Isaiah 22:5-7).
2. Stability and security: The phrase “remain in its place” shows that the exaltation is coupled with permanence; the city will no longer be torn down or uprooted (Zechariah 8:4-8).
3. Restoration of full extent: The boundaries named—Benjamin Gate, First Gate, Corner Gate, Tower of Hananel, royal winepresses—span the ancient city from north to south. The raising up therefore includes the total restoration of Jerusalem’s historic districts.

Biblical Theology of Exaltation

• Divine action: Throughout Scripture elevation is God’s prerogative (Psalm 75:7; Daniel 2:21). By choosing a rarely used verb here, Zechariah underscores that this is an extraordinary, once-for-all act of the LORD.
• Reversal motif: As God humbles the proud and exalts the humble (1 Samuel 2:7-8; Luke 1:52), so the nations that once trampled Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:2-3) are flattened, while the city is lifted.
• Sanctuary imagery: The raised city mirrors the raised altar (Exodus 20:26) and the “mountain of the house of the LORD” that is to be established as chief of the mountains (Isaiah 2:2). What applies to the temple extends to the whole city, anticipating an enlarged holy precinct.

Connection with Jerusalem in Redemptive History

• Davidic capital: The exaltation vindicates God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
• Post-exilic hope: For returnees still living among ruins, the promise that Jerusalem will be raised offered assurance that their modest rebuilding efforts were precursors of a far greater divine intervention (Haggai 2:6-9).
• Eschatological centerpiece: Zechariah’s vision aligns with later prophetic depictions of a glorified Jerusalem from which Messiah rules (Ezekiel 48:30-35; Revelation 21:10-24).

Foreshadowing of the Messianic Kingdom

The lifting of Jerusalem anticipates the reign of the Messiah, under whom the city becomes the focal point of worldwide worship (Zechariah 14:16-17). The transformation of geography corresponds to the transformation of human hearts under the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33). Thus רָאַם not only speaks of heightened terrain but of heightened spiritual reality.

Practical Ministry Application

1. Hope amid upheaval: Believers facing instability can look to God, who alone can “raise up” His people and give them an unshakeable place (Hebrews 12:28).
2. Mission outlook: The exaltation of Jerusalem foreshadows the gathering of nations to the gospel. The church, as a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), is called to embody that raised-up witness.
3. Worship posture: The verb urges humility; only the LORD exalts. Ministry that waits on His timing and methods will share in His vindication.

Related Biblical Imagery

• Psalm 102:16 – “For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in His glory.”
• Isaiah 60:14 – “They will call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
• Micah 4:1 – “The mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains.”

Each passage complements Zechariah 14:10, portraying divine exaltation as both physical restoration and spiritual glorification.

Christological Perspective

Jesus Christ, crucified outside the city yet raised in glory, embodies the pattern of abasement followed by exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11). The ultimate fulfillment of רָאַם finds its resonance in His resurrection and in the promise that those united to Him will be raised and seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6). As Jerusalem is lifted, so is the people of God, secured forever in the New Jerusalem.

Final Reflection

רָאַם, though used only once, captures the breathtaking moment when God elevates His chosen city, proclaiming His dominion, faithfulness, and redemptive purpose. It invites confidence that the LORD who raises Jerusalem will also raise His people to dwell with Him in everlasting peace.

וְֽרָאֲמָה֩ וראמה veraaMah wə·rā·’ă·māh wərā’ămāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts